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Whole number rule
Introduction
The Whole Number Rule states that the masses of the elements are whole number multiples of the mass of the hydrogen atom.[1] The rule can be formulated from Prout’s hypothesis put forth in 1815.[2] In 1920, Francis W. Aston demonstrated through the use of a mass spectrometer that apparent deviations from the rule were due to the existence of isotopes.[3]
References
References
- ↑ Budzikiewicz H, Grigsby RD (2006). “Mass spectrometry and isotopes: a century of research and discussion”. Mass spectrometry reviews. 25 (1): 146–57. doi:10.1002/mas.20061. PMID 16134128.
- ↑ Prout, William (1815). “On the relation between the specific gravities of bodies in their gaseous state and the weights of their atoms”. Annals of Philosophy. 6: 321–330. Retrieved 2007-09-08.
- ↑ Aston, Francis W. (1920). “The constitution of atmospheric neon”. Philosophical Magazine. 39 (6): 449–455.
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